Canada’s Stunning 4-3 Victory over Venezuela On Penalties to Secure Copa America Semi-Final Spot
Canada is causing waves under the direction of their new coach, who took over in mid-May in their maiden Copa America tournament.
With relentless pressure and unwavering enthusiasm, the group had an exciting and chaotic confrontation. After a scoreless 90-minute match, Canada defeated Venezuela 4-3 in penalties on Friday to go to the Copa America semifinals.
After a scoreless 90-minute match, Canada defeated Venezuela 4-3 in penalties on Friday to go to the Copa America semifinals. Canada took the lead in the 13th minute thanks to a goal from Jacob Shaffelburg, but Salomon Rondon tied the score in the 64th. Canada then won the shootout to advance to the round of four, where they will face world champion Argentina.
The Copa America is being played for the first time by the Canadians, who are participating for the first time under American coach Jesse Marsch. In a fast-paced encounter, the team put on a relentless press.
After five penalties apiece, both teams were unable to score from the spot twice in the shootout, which resulted in a 3-3 deadlock and sudden death play. Max Crepeau, the goalkeeper for Canada, atoned for his grave mistake that led to Venezuela’s equalizer when he stopped Wilker Angel’s kick.
Ismael Kone then had the opportunity to win the match. He scored with a crisp penalty kick to start the party in front of 51,080 spectators, the most of whom were Venezuelan supporters. In the first group stage match, Canada faced the reigning champions, Argentina, and lost 2-0. They will again be heavy favorites in the semifinal.
However, Marsch will think his team can pull off another upset and make it to the final in Miami on July 14 following a display of incredible vigor and resolve against a Venezuelan squad that won all three of their group stage games. Canada started the game with a bang, giving Venezuela no time on the ball and moving forward in large numbers.
Minutes after the Canadians grabbed the lead, “Vinotinto” keeper Rafael Romo was forced to sprint out of his zone to deny Cyle Larin as he raced on to a ball over the top. However, Romo was powerless to stop it. Winger Shaffelburg arrived just in time to tuck the ball into the bottom corner as Jonathan David rushed in from the right.
The swift left-winger Shaffelburg, who plays for Nashville in Major League Soccer, then forced Romo to make a diving save before sending in a low cross that David was unable to complete. Richie Laryea shot a ball over the box’s face as Canada went for the kill, but stretched David was unable to catch it.
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Just after the half, Larin found the ball in space inside the area and squandered a great opportunity by leaning back and shooting wildly over the crossbar. Venezuela gained ground in the match as a result of Marsch’s high-energy tactics, which were beginning to wear thin on his men.
When a shoddy clearance fell at his feet in the box, Jose Martinez had a chance to score, but he missed. However, Rondon won a long ball forward after seeing Crepeau far out of position. From 35 yards out, the seasoned striker executed a flawless lob to beat the hapless goalkeeper and tie the game at one.
Although Tani Oluwaseyi and Liam Millar, who were both brought on as substitutes, had late opportunities to help Canada win the match in regulation time, they were unable to come through with a cool finish. Copa America had no extra time, thus it went directly to penalties, which Yangel Herrera scored for Venezuela after Rondon and David both converted.
Following a goal by Tomas Rincon for Venezuela, Moise Bombito equalized for Canada, but Millar then missed the mark. However, before both teams scored to tie the score at 3-3, Jefferson Savarino struck the post and Stephen Eustaquio of Canada had his weak attempt saved by Romo.
Subsequently, in a moment of sudden death, Crepeau dove to stop Angel, giving Kone the opportunity to win under pressure, which he skillfully executed.
“It’s important for everyone to understand the dignity that both this nation and these football players deserve,” Crepeau said to Fox Sports. “Everybody says ‘these Canadians’, well these Canadians are in the semi-finals of Copa America.”
